Child Protection as a Priority of Local Administrative Authorities — A Study at the Level of Suceava County Council

Abstract

This article explores the special role played by local administrative authorities in ensuring child protection in Romania, with a particular focus on the activities carried out by the General Directorate of Social Assistance and Child Protection (DGASPC) Suceava, which operates under the authority of the Suceava County Council. The analytical approach is structured into eight sections, covering both the theoretical framework and legislative evolution of the child protection system, as well as institutional and strategic realities at both national and local levels. After outlining the general context, the study focuses on analyzing the functioning of DGASPC Suceava, highlighting the dynamics of resources, budget allocations, and the wide range of measures implemented. The analysis of the institution's outcomes—predominantly quantitative in nature—addresses key areas such as the prevention of child-family separation, the fight against abuse, the promotion of adoption, the development of alternatives to institutional care, and support for children with disabilities or those whose parents are working abroad, as well as actions aimed at preventing social exclusion. The study emphasizes the tangible impact of local administrative intervention on children's rights and underlines the complexity of interventions, which include psychological, legal, and social assistance services provided to minors in various risk contexts: children with disabilities, street children, youth leaving the protection system, children whose parents are abroad for work, and minors who are victims or witnesses in legal proceedings. Through the closure of all traditional placement centers and the development of small-capacity family- and residential-type services, the institution under analysis has aligned itself with the requirements of both national and county-level strategies in this field. The research also highlights inter-institutional collaborations, partnerships with non-governmental organizations, and the community prevention and education efforts carried out by mobile teams. Of particular importance for decision-makers and legislators are the SWOT analysis and the set of recommendations aimed at improving the results of DGASPC Suceava’s activities in the area of child protection. Equally important and valuable is the Conclusions section. Despite the constant concern for supporting young people in their transition to independent living and integrating children into environments as close as possible to the family model, the author emphasizes the need for future research to expand on the impact of these interventions and the efficiency of the resources employed.